Today we look at how you can use ChatGPT and dbFront to rapidly create or extend custom database applications. In this case we are going to add a module to handle asset depreciation.
Asset depreciation refers to the decline in value of an asset over time due to usage, wear and tear, and obsolescence. Tracking asset depreciation is essential to ensure accurate financial reporting, to meet taxation requirements, and to plan for asset replacements.
ChatGPT describes itself as a "powerful language model that can generate natural language responses to any given prompt." Today we are going to examine ChatGPT's functionality as we attempt to generate the required database structure for an asset depreciation module. We are going to start with a simple request.
Today we look at how you can use dbFront to create quick reports. For an example we will be building a report to view the age of submitted expense reports using the Expense Report app.
To create a new report, click on the Quick Print button. By default this button is only available to Administrators but you can easily enable it for your regular users.
From here, you can now prepare the report. If it is merely a one-time report, click run after you have selected the template and table columns.
If you are going to need to report on the same thing repeatedly, you can save the report as a button. Just provide a caption for the button and save your report.
There are two report types to...
]]>With the release of dbFront version 1.2.5, users can now create their own Custom Search Buttons. This allows users to quickly move between different views of the same data. Because finding what you need is key to being productive and happy!
This originally was in our Christmas blog post.
Custom Searches are created directly from the advanced search. When you click the Save icon on the advanced search banner, you will receive the following prompt:
NOTE: Contact your admin for “My Layout” access, if you don't see this dialog.
This allows you to still save the search criteria as your default search, or now you can create a button. Click on the “Create Custom Search” option that brings you to the next prompt:
Be sure...
]]>As this year draws to a close we would like to thank all of our clients, and wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
With the release of dbFront version 1.2.5, users can now create their own Custom Search Buttons. This allows users to quickly move between different views of the same data. Because finding what you need is key to being productive and happy!
Please check out the post on how to create these buttons.
]]>dbFront offers up to three (soon four) ways to perform searches on your tables: Simple, Advanced, and Full-Text search (Enterprise Only). Today we look at a quick overview of these features using the Expense Reporter app created in dbFront. Coming in the next release of dbFront: Custom Quick Search buttons.
Do not let the name fool you as the Simple Search feature in dbFront is quite powerful. The feature is available on all table views as a Search box on the top right section of the banner:
On smaller table sizes, dbFront will filter in real-time as you type in your search criteria in the field. On larger tables that cannot be loaded into memory, dbFront will wait for you to hit Enter before executing the Search; this is...
]]>The newest anything always seems best, until you put it to the test...
We have been testing the 1.2.2 branch of dbFront these past 6 months, and it has stabilized to the point where it is ready to replace dbFront 1.1.5 as the new Stable release. With 38 new features and 89 fixes, dbFront 1.2.2 represents a significant improvement over previous versions of dbFront.
The 1.2.2 branch of dbFront continues the theme of adding user requested functionality. The three most significant features are:
We are working on a series of fully functional and free sample database applications. Our first application is an Expense Reporter. This Expense Reporting application demonstrates the advanced topics of Workflow and Auditing.
The Expense Reporter includes all of the database scripts and support files so it is easy to modify to meet your specific needs.
Expense Reporter is a free and open source dbFront application that allows your employees to submit expense reports which would pass through management and finance for approval and processing.
We have been busy these past three months and the results are in. We have moved from PayPal to FastSpring which gets us: international tax handling, self-serve PO handling, more payment options, better subscription support, a client account portal and access to the Impact affiliate network. We have also moved to email based licensing for all license types except trial licenses.
Last time we sent out a survey but the response was not so great so we are trying again. The interim results are mixed but so far the results say that:
In this post you will find information on: price changes, new features including support for Crystal Reports, and how we are growing to better serve the needs of the dbFront community. There is also an opportunity to win a free year of support or a new Pro license. All you need to do is fill out a 15 question survey. Our goal is to make dbFront a standard part of the toolkit for DBAs and Database Analysts. The survey is intended to help us reach that goal.
The crazy inflation levels have forced our hand with some basic essentials nearly doubling in price. The updated pricing is available on the dbFront licensing page at www.dbFront.com/licensing
Earlier this year, dbFront added direct support for printing...
]]>The dbFront 1.1.5 branch has stabilized with 34 new features since dbFront 1.1.1. This release will only receive important bug fixes going forward.
Hot on it's heels is dbFront 1.2.1. This release adds a new Database Home menu and Power-User layout options plus more.
Notice: Licenses with Support & Maintenance that has been expired for two years will require a full purchase to upgrade.
The 1.1.5 branch of dbFront has mostly been about solidifying and finalizing the 1.1 branch of dbFront. There have been some important licensing changes to make FREE versions of dbFront more functional and to enable resellers.
The new features included in the 1.1.5 branch are: